Ever since I was seven years’ old, when we travel to France on holiday or between the UK and ‘RAF Germany’, I have always found travelling by ferry to be the most incredibly exciting experience. As an adult, that feeling has not changed in the slightest. The prospect of a ferry sailing, preferably on a long crossing and in my own cabin is something that I always look forwards to immensely. I love too the feeling of boarding the ship for the first time, of discovering my cabin, and the sheet excitement of slowly leaving port. Once on board, a meal in cafeteria or restaurant, a drink in the bar, a somewhat aimless wander around the shop, and a cosy night listening to the sounds of the ship – these all make for the perfect start (or end) to any holiday.

On this occasion my journey was on Brittany Ferries’ Pont Aven, their large and luxurious ‘cruise-ferry’ from Portsmouth to Santander, on the north coast of Spain. This ship has been in service for around 14 years, but is still in good condition. The most well known facility on board is its (admittedly tiny) swimming pool, but on three of my four journeys on the vessel,  it has not been on use, including today. However, with a comfortable cabin, plenty of lounges, lots of outside deck space, and fairly good-value eating and drinking options, it’s a pleasant and relaxing crossing.
Brittany Ferries was started (apparently) by a consortium of French fishermen, and although the bulk of the passengers are British, the food and general atmosphere is decidedly French.

Today’s trip is delayed by around two hours due to bad weather affecting earlier crossings. This meant a later boarding and departure from Portsmouth, but waiting and boarding at the terminal there is fairly straightforward. It’s nothing like being at an airport, and no one asked me to remove my belt, take my shoes off, or to put my belongings in a clear plastic bag.

And so today, as I sit in my cabin watching the Spanish coast draw closer, calm and rested after a day of doing not very much at all, I am glad I chose to travel this way.